Kindness and friendliness are essential for building relationships and reflecting God’s love to others. The Bible is filled with wisdom about how we can treat others with warmth and generosity. Today, we’ll explore the importance of friendliness and how our actions can point people to Christ.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Being An Overcomer
What Does The Bible Say About Being Friendly
Proverbs 18:24
“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of having true and loyal friends. While having many companions may seem appealing, it is the friend who stands by you through thick and thin that truly matters.
A true friend is someone who supports, encourages, and loves unconditionally. They are there in times of joy and sorrow, providing a sense of companionship and comfort. This verse reminds us to value and cherish the friends who are faithful and devoted.
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
This verse highlights the significance of friendship and its unwavering love. A true friend remains loyal and supportive regardless of the circumstances.
Whether in times of joy or adversity, a friend is there to share in the experiences, offering comfort, understanding, and encouragement. Just like a brother who is born to support during difficult times, a true friend is always there, showing love and care.
Proverbs 27:6
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
This verse teaches us the value of honest and constructive criticism from a true friend.
A friend who truly cares will not hesitate to point out our faults or mistakes, even if it may hurt in the moment. Their intentions are pure, seeking our growth and well-being. In contrast, an enemy may flatter and praise us with insincere words, masking their true intentions.
John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Jesus spoke these words, demonstrating the ultimate act of love and friendship through His sacrifice on the cross for humanity.
This verse serves as a reminder of the depth of love that can exist in a true friendship. It challenges us to be selfless and willing to make sacrifices for the well-being and happiness of our friends.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This verse illustrates the importance of having friends who challenge and inspire us to grow spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually.
Just as two pieces of iron can sharpen each other through friction, true friends can sharpen one another by providing constructive feedback, wisdom, and guidance. They push us to become better versions of ourselves and encourage personal growth.
James 4:8
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
This verse reminds us that true friendship with God begins with seeking Him wholeheartedly and purifying our hearts and minds.
To be a friend of God, we must strive to live in obedience to His commandments and align our thoughts and actions with His will. Only then can we experience the closeness and intimacy of a genuine friendship with our Creator.
Proverbs 16:28
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
This verse warns against the destructive power of gossip and the detrimental effect it can have on friendships.
Gossip not only spreads false information but also breeds mistrust and division among friends. It is important to guard our tongues and refrain from engaging in gossip, instead cultivating an environment of trust, love, and unity within our friendships.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
This verse emphasizes the power of companionship and the mutual support that can be found in friendships.
Having a friend by our side adds strength, resilience, and encouragement in all areas of life. Through the ups and downs, friends provide a helping hand, picking us up when we stumble and sharing in the joy of our successes.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
This verse calls us to be sources of encouragement and support for our friends, lifting them up and inspiring them to become the best versions of themselves.
By offering words of affirmation, acts of kindness, and genuine support, we can contribute to the growth, well-being, and confidence of our friends. We are called to be a positive presence in their lives, always seeking to uplift and motivate them.
Proverbs 12:26
“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”
This verse highlights the importance of selecting friends wisely, those who share our values, and help us grow in righteousness.
The company we keep influences our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. It is essential to surround ourselves with friends who support and encourage our walk with God, leading us closer to Him rather than astray.
Proverbs 27:9
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”
This verse compares the pleasantness of a friend’s heartfelt advice to the joy brought by perfume and incense.
A true friend’s counsel and wisdom, given with genuine care and love, can bring joy, clarity, and guidance to our lives. Their advice is rooted in their understanding of who we are and what is best for us. It is a precious gift that should be cherished and valued.
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
This verse highlights the influence that our friends can have on our own wisdom and decision-making.
By choosing to surround ourselves with wise and knowledgeable individuals, we position ourselves to learn from their insights and experiences. Conversely, engaging in friendships with those who lack wisdom can lead us astray and result in negative consequences.
Proverbs 22:24-25
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.”
This verse cautions against forming friendships with individuals who possess anger and hot-tempered personalities.
Being in the company of such individuals can potentially influence and shape our own behavior, leading us down a destructive path. It is important to choose friends who model patience, kindness, and self-control, fostering an environment of mutual respect and peace.
Proverbs 27:5-6
“Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of honest communication and constructive criticism within friendships.
A true friend is willing to speak the truth in love, even when it may be difficult to hear. Their feedback and admonishment are rooted in care and concern for our well-being, unlike an enemy who may deceive with false flattery.
John 15:14
“You are my friends if you do what I command.”
These words spoken by Jesus emphasize the connection between friendship with Him and obedience to His commands.
True friendship with Jesus is not based solely on emotions or words but on our willingness to follow and obey Him. It is through our obedience and surrender that we deepen our friendship with the Savior and experience the fullness of His love and grace.
Proverbs 27:19
“As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.”
This verse serves as a reminder that our friendships are a reflection of our own hearts.
Our lives and the friendships we cultivate reveal our values, character, and attitudes. If we desire deep and meaningful friendships, we must invest in developing our own hearts and character. By displaying love, kindness, and integrity, we attract friends who possess these qualities as well.
Proverbs 27:17
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
This verse conveys the transformative power of friendship and its potential to bring growth and refinement.
True friends challenge and inspire us to become better. Through their wisdom, guidance, and mutual support, they sharpen and refine us, helping us become the best version of ourselves. This verse underscores the importance of having friends who encourage personal and spiritual growth.
Proverbs 18:24
“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
This verse emphasizes the value of true friendship over shallow companionships that can lead to downfall.
A friend who sticks closer than a brother is someone who remains loyal, trustworthy, and dependable. They are there in times of triumph and tribulation, offering unwavering support and love. This verse encourages us to cultivate deep and lasting friendships that enrich our lives rather than superficial relationships that may lead to ruin.
Proverbs 16:28
“A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.”
This verse warns against the destructive nature of dishonesty and gossip in friendships.
Dishonesty breeds distrust and can sow division among friends. Similarly, gossip can lead to broken relationships and a breakdown of trust. As friends, we should strive to be honest in our words and actions, building an atmosphere of trust, openness, and authenticity.
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.”
This verse highlights the importance of forgiveness and discretion in maintaining strong friendships.
When a friend makes a mistake or offends us, it is an opportunity to extend grace and seek reconciliation rather than dwelling on the offense. Repeatedly bringing up past mistakes can fracture friendships and create distance. The willingness to cover an offense with love fosters unity and strengthens the bonds of friendship.
Proverbs 27:6
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.”
This verse emphasizes the value of honest and constructive criticism from a true friend.
A friend who truly cares will not hesitate to point out our faults or mistakes, even if it may hurt in the moment. Their intentions are pure, seeking our growth and well-being. In contrast, an enemy may flatter and praise us with insincere words, masking their true intentions.
Proverbs 12:26
“One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”
This verse reminds us of the influence we have on our friends and the responsibility to lead them in righteousness.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be examples and guides for those around us. Our friendships should be characterized by righteousness, pointing others towards God’s truth and leading them closer to Him. We must be mindful of the impact our actions and choices have on our friends’ spiritual journeys.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.'”
This verse emphasizes the danger of choosing friends who have a negative influence on our character and values.
The company we keep significantly impacts the trajectory of our lives. It is essential to surround ourselves with friends who encourage and promote goodness, righteousness, and moral values. By avoiding bad company, we protect and preserve our own moral integrity.
Ruth 1:16-17
“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”
This profound declaration of loyalty and friendship by Ruth to her mother-in-law, Naomi, exemplifies the depth and commitment that true friendship entails.
Ruth’s unconditional love and devotion to Naomi serve as a model of selflessness and loyalty in friendship. It challenges us to strive for unwavering support and companionship, going above and beyond for our friends, even in the face of adversity and hardship.
Proverbs 22:11
“He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend.”
This verse teaches the importance of purity, integrity, and graciousness in attracting true and meaningful friendships.
A pure heart and gracious speech reflect godly character and create an environment of trust and respect. When we embody these qualities, we attract valuable friendships and can develop deep connections with others, just as the king would appreciate those who possess these virtues.